Chapter 13

His kiss was unrelenting, an overwhelming mix of suffocation and exhilaration. Fingers ensnared in his hair, I returned his fervor with equal intensity, cherishing the searing closeness.

In pursuit of my lips, his mouth journeyed to my jawline and the curve of my neck, each touch igniting a trail of sensations. The heat between us intensified as my hands moved from his hair to his cheek, guiding him back to my mouth. My mind entangled in desire, every fiber of my being yearned for more of him.

The world seemed to dissolve as his firm arm encircled my waist, pulling me flush against him. Our mouths met again, the clash of fervent need resonating through each kiss.

Our ardor didn't wane as he maneuvered me against the wall, our bodies pressed tightly together. Limbs entwined, my heart raced, my skin aflame with longing. His robust frame contrasted with my softer form, a potent dynamic that deepened the connection. His desire, unmistakable, pressed against me, driving home the intensity of our encounter.

His exhalation, a rasped "Fuck," punctuated the escalating intensity, the need evident in his eyes as they locked onto mine. As I traced a path from his neck to his shirt's hem, a voice sliced through the moment, fracturing our shared bubble.

"Never pegged you for this," the voice broke the spell, and my gaze shifted to the interruption. Celina stood beside us, her expression inscrutable as her eyes traveled our entwined forms.

Retreating from Callum, I created space between us, my face aflame. An ache lingered, a profound want unresolved. I stood upright, my gaze avoiding Callum's as I turned to Celina. An apology formed on my lips, flimsy and unconvincing.

Callum, now Callum Black, rectified his appearance, and a flush crept up my cheeks. Celina's presence magnified my embarrassment, and the swirl of emotions left me feeling queasy.

"I'm so sorry, Cel. This isn't what it looks like," I stammered, regret apparent in my tone. Amid the alcohol-induced haze, confusion reigned. The fire of our kiss still burned within me, the unquenched thirst for his touch lingering.

Celina's sarcasm dripped as she responded, "From where I stand, it looks pretty crystal clear."

Notwithstanding her words, guilt churned in my stomach, and a wave of nausea swept over me. I yearned for escape, an opportunity to distance myself from this turmoil.

"I have to go," I blurted, desperation lacing my voice. The proximity of him, the taste of his lips, it was all too much to bear. I hurriedly fled the corridor, avoiding his gaze and the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

My fingers ran through my hair, an attempt to compose myself before rejoining Tatum and Leo at the table. Meeting Tatum's inquisitive eyes, I offered a strained smile as I rounded the table.

Her mischievous grin grew as she greeted me, "Gianna?! You're looking like you just got thoroughly ravished."

I shook my head in denial, dispelling her assumptions. "No, I didn't hook up with anyone, Ames."

She maintained her skepticism, her expression a mixture of intrigue and disbelief.

"I'm planning on grabbing a cab early, is that okay?" I requested, my gaze still seeking solace in Amy's understanding.

Her confusion palpable, she agreed with a nod. "Sure, I'll text you when I get home," I assured her, collecting my belongings and promptly making my way toward the exit, eager to escape the tumultuous emotions that still roiled within me.